“It’s God’s grace to die in a manner in which Dabholkar died. It [instant death] is better than dying of a prolonged illness or suffering from pain induced by surgical procedures,” Athvale said in an article in the organisation’s mouthpiece, Sanatan Prabhat.

Athvale said though Dabholkar was an atheist, he would pray to the God that his soul would rest in peace.

Quoting from the Gita, Athvale said birth and death were certain and karma (deeds) decided one’s fate.

“Dabholkar helped us in understanding the misunderstanding about Hinduism while imparting religious teachings. It helped us in countering such views,” he said.

Rationalists, however, saw this reaction as a challenge to the police, who have not ruled out the Sanatan family’s involvement in the murder.

The late activist’s colleague Shyam Manav lambasted Athvale.

“Violence is Sanatan’s culture. They are showing their true colours and I will not be surprised if someone related to them are found involved in the murder.”

Home minister RR Patil said the police would probe in to the objectionable writing.

However, Sanatan spokesperson Abhay Vartak played down the article.

In a press conference, Vartak said detractors of Sanatan Sanstha and politicians were defaming the organisation by dragging its name in the controversy.

“We are opposed to the anti-superstition bill, but our opposition is on ideological level and not personal,” he said.

Alleging a conspiracy, Vartak told HT, “Some people at international level want us banned. We want the police to come out with the truth and we are cooperating fully with investigating agencies.”